The Department of Transport and Regional Services (Dotars) provides policy advice to the Ministers and Parliamentary Secretary for the Commonwealth Transport and Regional Services portfolio. It also delivers a variety of programs on behalf of the Commonwealth Government.

Dotars undertakes research, analysis and safety investigations. It then provides safety information and advice based upon these investigations and performs regulatory functions. The Department has a strong policy development role in addition to its responsibilities of program administration and service delivery.

Dotars' purpose is 'to promote economic, social and regional development by enhancing Australia's infrastructure performance'.